When the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys this weekend, it will be a special return to Pennsylvania for quarterback Ben DiNucci.
With Andy Dalton expected to miss the Week 8 showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field with a concussion, all eyes will turn to 2020 seventh-round pick Ben DiNucci. The former James Madison standout will get the start on Sunday and it will be special for him for multiple reasons.
Not only will DiNucci be making his first career start, but he’ll be doing so back in his home state Pennsylvania, as his hometown is Wexford, Pa., which is about five hours west of Philadelphia. Entering this contest, just about everyone is doubting the Dallas signal-caller. However, he has the chance to create some magic and prove everyone wrong come Sunday.
Ben DiNucci returns to Pennsylvania for his first career NFL start
A Pine-Richland High alum, DiNucci signed with Pitt out of high school and spent three years with the Panthers before transferring to James Madison. Last season with JMU, DiNucci received First-Team All-American honors after throwing for 3,441 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Now, following Dak Prescott fracturing his ankle and Dalton suffering a concussion, Dallas is moving forward with DiNucci against the Eagles. It’s something no one could have expected prior to the season getting underway, but Mike McCarthy is playing with the hand he’s been dealt.
For DiNucci, he entered last Sunday’s loss against the Washington Football Team in relief of the injured Dalton, completing two passes for 39 yards. While he’ll go up against Carson Wentz and Philadelphia this weekend, he’s not going to enter that game scared. Plus, how cool is it that his first-career start will take place in his home state?
The Eagles are favorites to take down Dallas on their home turf, but DiNucci really does have the chance to shock the NFL world with a big game. It’d be an amazing story if he delivers.